Albion under-23s are set to take on three Football League first teams as part of a new-look competition.

Simon Rusk’s team will meet Southend, Leyton Orient and Stevenage in the group stage of the EFL Trophy.

The Seagulls were given the opportunity to take part when several Premier League academies declined an invitation to get involved.

A fixture schedule has yet to be announced for a competition which has drawn strong criticism from fans of lower division clubs.

Crawley have been grouped with Colchester, Charlton and Southampton under-23s.

Albion’s under-23s visit Whitehawk for a friendly tonight (7.45pm).